Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: melaniejs on 23/03/2020 15:02:10

Title: Are gas masks effective against the virus?
Post by: melaniejs on 23/03/2020 15:02:10

Nicolas asks:

Are gas masks effective against the virus?

Does anyone know?

Title: Re: Are gas masks effective against the virus?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 23/03/2020 19:35:38

If said gasmask is protetive agahints boilogical acents, yes, if just chemical no, not sure how they protect against nuclear, i should think it is a particulate filter.

Title: Re: Are gas masks effective against the virus?
Post by: Bored chemist on 23/03/2020 21:56:12

It depends on the gas mask. Some WWII ones had so much asbestos in them as part of the filters that I'd sooner  take my chances with the virus.

Having said that, my dad might sensibly take the other view. He's over 80. He probably won't live long enough to get asbestosis, but covid would probably finish him off.


It's impossible to answer the question without details of the mask.

Title: Re: Are gas masks effective against the virus?
Post by: RD on 26/03/2020 02:19:45

Quote from: Bored chemist on 23/03/2020 21:56:12

... It's impossible to answer the question without details of the mask.

How about Calvin Klein's * ...

(* other boxer-shorts are available, hopefully unused )

Title: Re: Are gas masks effective against the virus?
Post by: Bored chemist on 26/03/2020 13:13:01

Could help to improve compliance with social distancing.